Interview of Author Donna McDine

October 18, 2010 – 6:23 pm
Join me in welcoming Donna McDine, author of The Golden Pathway. Donna is an award-winning children’s author. Her stories and features have been published in many print and online publications, and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Her second book, The Hockey Agony, is under contract, and will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes, moms, and is the Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club.
 
Silverberry: Where did you get the idea for The Golden Pathway?
 
McDine: The Golden Pathway initially started as an outline for the Institute of Children’s Literature Book Course, but I shelved it for quite some time. Over time David and Jenkins kept calling to me to tell their story, I didn’t at first and their voices became quite insistent through my dreams and I finally relented and wrote their story. I’m certainly thrilled I finally listened. The old saying, “mother knows best” is now “characters know best” in my book.
 
Silverberry: What is your writing process?
McDine: I start with a basic idea and then create an interview process for the antagonist first, and then proceed with the protagonist and secondary characters. To me the creation of the villain sets the tone for the rest of the story. Even though I’m up to speed technology wise I always conduct this process in long hand as well as my first draft. This way I’m away from my computer and not distracted by email and the Internet.
 
Silverberry: What role did research play in creating the story?
 
McDine: I first read children’s books on the Underground Railroad to get a sense of direction and then I researched the historical archives at my local library. In my opinion, research whether fiction or historical fiction is essential to the story’s accuracy. For example, you can’t write a fiction story about a particular sport if you don’t research the ins and outs.
 
Silverberry: Did the theme emerge after you had written the first draft, or did you know ahead of time where you were going?
 
McDine: For The Golden Pathway I knew what the theme would be from the onset. David and Jenkins would have had it no other way.
Silverberry: One senses David’s life before and after the events recounted in the story. Are you tempted to expand it into a novel?

McDine: Ahh, interesting question I’ve been asked before. I’m sensing a trend here that I truly need to explore and I’m beginning to feel as if David and Jenkins have a lot more to say. I’ll keep you posted if I plan on expanding their story to novel length.

Silverberry: What have been the most important factors in your development as a writer?

McDine: Critique groups, teleclasses, and writer’s conferences have been instrumental in honing my writing skills. The learning and writing is constant.

Silverberry: You’ve become quite a master of social-media networking. What are the most important things a fiction writer can do to further his or herself in this area? What works best for fiction writers on Twitter?

McDine: Thank you very much for your kind words of support.

Essential appears to be the common factor in many aspects of writing and marketing. It is imperative to learn about social-media networking and to participate in it. Facebook and Twitter are imperative. Setting up your Facebook profile page is quite easy and you can tie your Tweets and Blog Posts to automatically appear on your Facebook profile. Twitter is also very easy to set up and it definitely hones your writing to keep it tight, considering there is a 140 character limit. It’s great exercise in shaving the words you truly don’t need to get your point across.

Suggestions in becoming a good active member:

  •  
    • Cross promoting fellow authors is a great way to create creditability with their book announcements, etc.
    • Offer marketing tips
    • Write book reviews and promote them
    • Suggest a worthwhile blog or website that you feel your followers will find of interest
    • Follow fellow authors, illustrators, editors, publishers, agents, librarians, teachers, etc.

Remember to be successful in your marketing on Facebook and Twitter should NOT be all about you.

Silverberry: What advice would you give writers about getting their work published?

McDine: Join a critique group of authors who write in your genre. It is important to get feedback before you submit, since you know your story so well you may not even realize you are leaving out important information to the reader.

Do your homework on the publisher you are submitting to. Research and follow their submission guidelines to the “T” and study their current line of books.

Be prepared to edit even when you are offered a book contract. Your new found publisher has their visions too to make the book that much more marketable.

Silverberry: Tell us about your next book, and when it will be coming out.

McDine: The Hockey Agony (Publication date to be determined.) – Peer Pressure and Honesty many times go hand-in-hand. What is Larry to do when his teammate asks him to cheat when he is given the responsibility to run the clock during the big hockey game? Outwardly, it may seem he will follow suit, but his conscious tells him otherwise at the moment of truth.

Powder Monkey (Publication date to be determined.) – Forced into a life at sea by the Royal Navy Press Gangs, 12-year-old Tommy Kitt finds himself in a floating sea of misery. Poor living conditions and beatings occur daily. Despite his runt like size, Tommy must summon the courage and physical ability to prevail in a situation he cannot escape.

Silverberry: Thanks for coming to this corner of the blogosphere. It’s been a pleasure having you here!

McDine: Peter, it’s an honor to be interviewed by you and featured on your blog. I appreciate your interest and time. Thank you!

Silverberry: And for those who missed it, here’s a link to my review of The Golden Pathway:

http://tinyurl.com/25nrdkn

 Visit Donna at:

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 
 
 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (4)

Beautifully Written Tale Grabs Your Heart

October 8, 2010 – 8:38 am
Book Review:
 
Title: The Golden Pathway
Written by: Donna M. McDine
Illustrated by: K. C. Snider
Ages: 8-12
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc.
Hardcover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-081-1
Soft cover: ISBN: 978-1-61633-088-0
eBook: ISBN: 978-1-61633-082-8
Published: August 2010 
 
Twelve-year-old David lives with his parents on their farm in the south, during the time of slavery in the US. David can never please his Pa, who ridicules him when he displays weakness, and calls him sissy. Worse, Pa routinely and savagely whips the slaves, including sixteen-year-old Jenkins. Appalled at these beatings, David determines to help Jenkins escape. David is frightened of his father, and knows that if he is caught, Pa will beat him. David will need his wits and every ounce of courage to help Jenkins escape.
 
 The story resonates on all levels. K. C. Sniders’ illustrations are dramatic and emotionally charged, and enhance the story beautifully. The way Jenkins is depicted especially pulled on my heartstrings. David’s empathic character is perfectly rendered. 
 
 Author Donna McDine pulls you in from the first sentence, and doesn’t let you go. Her writing is filled with sensory detail that puts you into the story and the era. She has created living, breathing characters, so much so, that I strongly felt their lives before and after the tale. She doesn’t hold back on showing the cruel and inhumane treatment of slaves, which highlights David’s compassion and courage as the centerpiece of the story. His emotions are felt through out, putting the reader into his shoes. As a result, David personifies and models something very important: A boy differentiating himself from his parent, and standing up for what he believes is right. This is a powerful message, that you can love a parent, as David surely does, even if you do not agree with what they do.
 
 I highly recommend the Golden Pathway to teachers, parents, and children. The story will be a valuable part of any classroom studying slavery in the US. In addition to being a good introduction to the history and life of the time, it will generate good discussion about the era, making it a valuable addition for libraries.
 
 The Golden Pathway is a beautifully written tale of courage, conscience, and compassion. Five big stars. It’s a gem.
Reviewed By A. R. Silverberry, Award-Winning Author of Wyndano’s Cloak
About Donna McDine:
Donna McDine is an award-winning children’s author, Honorable Mention in the 77th and two Honorable Mentions in the 78th Annual Writer’s Digest Writing Competitions. Donna’s stories and features have been published in many print and online publications and her interest in American History resulted in writing and publishing The Golden Pathway. Her second book, The Hockey Agony is under contract and will be published by Guardian Angel Publishing. She writes, moms, and is the Publicist Intern for The National Writing for Children Center and Children’s Writers’ Coaching Club.
 
 Visit Donna at:
 

http://www.donnamcdine.com

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (10)

Wyndano’s Cloak Is Going To Frankfurt!

September 29, 2010 – 2:21 pm

Wyndano's CloakThrilling news! Wyndano’s Cloak will be displayed at the 2010 Frankfurt International Book Fair, October 6 – 10. The Frankfurt Book Fair is the largest, most important book fair in the world. With a quarter of a million in attendance, the multi-hall, mile long fair ground in Frankfurt hosts the largest contingent of publishing professionals of any book fair; gathering more publishers, agents, authors, distributors, translators, and journalists than any other venue.

Wyndano’s Cloak will be exhibited at the Fair by the Independent Book Publishers Association, and also by the Combined Book Exhibit. Both exhibitors will be in the English Language hall of the Fair. IBPA’s display will be in Hall 8.0, Stand K-915. Combined Book Exhibit’s display will be in Hall 8.0, Stand S-961. Wyndano’s Cloak can be located in Combined Book Exhibit catalog and physical exhibit, which will be organized alphabetically by publisher name.

Also, Wyndano’s Cloak publisher, Tree Tunnel Press, has an aggressive schedule of Expos lined up this fall. In addition to Frankfurt, the book will be displayed at the following shows. If you’re there, stop by and pick up a Wyndano’s Cloak Flyer!

Illionois Library Association Annual Conference

  • Sept 29 – 30, Chicago Illinois
  • See at Combined Book Exhibit display

Midwest Book Sellers Association

  • October 2nd, River Centre, Saint Paul, MN
  • See at IBPA display

New England Book Sellers Show

  • Oct 2nd, Providence, RI
  • See at IBPA display

Massachusetts Library Association Convention

  • October 3 – 4, Sturbridge MA
  • See at ABE display

Pacific NW Booksellers Show

  • October 7-9, Portland, Oregon
  • See at NABE display

Northern Cal Booksellers Association

  • Oct 14-16, Oakland Convention Center, Oakland, CA
  • See at IBPA display
  • See at NABE display

New England Library Association Convention

  • October 17-19, Boxbourough, MA
  • See at CBE display

Portland Gift Show

  • Oct 21-23, Portland, Oregon
  • See at NABE display

Virginia Library Association Conference

  • October 21-22, Portsmouth, VA
  • See at ABE display

Pennsylvania Library Association Conference

  • October 24-27, Lancaster, PA
  • See at CBE display

New York Library Association Convention

  • November 2-5, Saratoga Springs, NY
  • See at CBE display

Michigan Library Association Convention

  • November 10-12, Acme MI
  • See at CBE display

California Library Assoc and School Library  Show

  • November 12-15, Sacramento California
  • See at NABE display

 Frankfurt Book Fair Press Release: 

http://tinyurl.com/2fgxawm
 

 

 
 
 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Expos, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Wyndano’s Cloak Says Hello to the Windy City

September 28, 2010 – 10:21 am

Wyndano’s Cloak will be displayed at the 2010 Illinois Libary Association Annual Conference, September 29 – 30.

ILA’s annual show will be in Chicago, Illinois’ most populous city, and home of the American Library Association. Many consider it to be the library capital of the US. Wyndano’s Cloak will be displayed by Combined Book Exhibit (CBE).

The conference is at Navy Pier, Festival Hall B. Exhibit schedule is Wednesday, 12:30 pm – 7:00 pm; and Thursday, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm. CBE’s catalog and physical exhibit are organized by Dewey Decimal Category.

If you’re attending the conference, stop by and have a look at Wyndano’s Cloak!

More info about the conference http://tinyurl.com/38coxfk

More info about about CBE can be found at http://tinyurl.com/2dxolkh

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Expos | Tagged , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Wyndano’s Cloak Sold Out At Borders Event!

September 26, 2010 – 4:56 pm
I’m still floating after my book signing at Borders in San Rafael. They sold out of Wyndano’s Cloak! It’s a wonderful store. The staff, who were friendly and kept busy by a store packed with customers, took the time to stop by my table to talk with me about the book. One of them rushed from the counter to tell me he liked what I said about how magic works in the story.

Live book signings remind me of what I enjoy the most about being an author: The opportunity to interact with children. The children yesterday were curious and enthusiastic. One girl came up to me and said, “Are you an author? I want to meet you. I want to be an author!” Every single child told me they love to read. Thank heavens, the future of the world is in safe! There was a long line to the cash register, and moms, dads, and kids had armfuls of hardbacks.

A portion of my profits from sales yesterday will go to DrawBridge, and their Executive Director, Pam Morton, spent the afternoon with me at Borders. She answered questions about the fantastic work DrawBridge does to bring expressive arts to homeless and vulnerable youth in the greater San Francisco Bay Area. As a psychologist, I’ve seen first hand how powerful art can be in the emotional growth of a child. DrawBridge announced earlier this month that the Walter & Elise Haas Fund awarded DrawBridge a $10,000 matching grant! So my contribution will get doubled! They’ve raised over $6,850 of the match so far. You can add your donation here:http://drawbridge.org/getinvolved.html. Thanks, Pam, it was great meeting you and partnering with DrawBridge.

The highlight of the day was the appearance of Marilyn LoRusso. Marilyn is a

Children’s Entertainer and Social Media Consultant. As Princess Polka Dot, Marilyn has entertained thousands of children for over 10 years with her passion for bringing joy and fun. On her blog, she says, “When you add a sense of FUN to any situation, it transforms the experience for you and everyone around you!” Marilyn proved that and more yesterday. Her helpfulness and support touched me deeply, and I’ll always treasure her kindness. You can learn more about Marilyn and Princess Polka at http://www.funitude.net/. Her forthcoming book, FUNitude – How to Raise Your FUNtelligence Quotient, will be at the top of my reading list. I can’t wait!

I’m looking forward to another super book signing and fundraiser for DrawBridge on Oct 2nd, 2 – 4 PM. I hope to see many of you there!

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Upcoming Events | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Readers Favorite Awards 2010 Winners and Finalists Page is up!

September 9, 2010 – 6:48 am

Readers Favorite just posted on their website the list of winners and finalists of the 2010 Readers Favorite Awards. Wyndano’s Cloak took the Gold Medal in the Preteen category. The contest included forty genre categories.  Check out all the winners for some wonderful reads at http://tinyurl.com/2alejln. The Readers Favorite review of Wyndano’s Cloak may be read on their website at http://tinyurl.com/29ly6sb, or on the Reviews section of my website: http://www.arsilverberry.com/reviews

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Awards | Tagged , , , , , , | Comments (0)

New Covey Trailer Awards!

September 6, 2010 – 3:15 pm

 

I’m pleased to announce that Wyndano’s Cloak is entered in the August “New Covey Trailer Awards” for most intriguing trailer! Winners are determined by popular vote at http://thenewcoveytrailerawards.blogspot.com. The Wyndano’s Cloak trailer is #27. Scroll down the bar on the left and you’ll see it. Voting closes midnight 9/14. 

The trailer was created by M2 Productions. They were a joy to work with, and created a dramatic trailer. Trailer contests are a great way to get the word out about a book, and to give a book greater exposure. I hope you’ll consider voting for it!

Thanks for supporting the book!Peter

 

 

 

http://thenewcoveytrailerawards.blogspot.com

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Trailer | Tagged , , , , | Comments (1)

Thesupermom.com Highly Recommends Wyndano’s Cloak!

September 5, 2010 – 10:59 am

I’m pleased to announce that popular parent blogger, Karlynn Johnston, of thesupermom.com, highly recommended Wyndano’s Cloak for preteens and young adults! Johnston said, “Silverberry weaves a magical tale . . . chock full of everything a great fantasy novel needs; dashing young men, adventures galore, treachery, love and intrigue . . . it’s an excellent foray into the genre of fantasy books. The fact that there are two strong, capable female main characters makes it exceptionally appropriate for girls this age.”

Update: 11/28/10 11:24 am.

It looks like Karlynn discontinued the supermom.com site, so the full review can no longer be seen there.

Here is the full text she had on her site:

Wyndano’s Cloak is chock full of everything a great fantasy novel needs; dashing young men, adventures galore, treachery, love and intrigue. The best part in my opinion, is that it isn’t the male characters who save the day but rather the two very strong female protagonists who are battling to save the kingdom from the evil that came from within and from outside.

Set in the magical Kingdom of Aerdem, we meet Princess Jen, the main character who is strong willed, determined and smart. She is forewarned of a terrible event that is going to happen, but only receives snatches of the whispered warning. She must figure out what is going to happen and prevent it in time.

Through her adventure we meet other characters; shy but brave Bit who is engaged to the Prince, other members of the royal family of Aerdem and we travel to the “plain world”.

By using two plot lines that meet and culminate wonderfully at the end, A.R. Silverberry weaves a magical tale that has you seamlessly bouncing between the two stories, excitedly wondering when and how they shall intertwine and resolve.

I highly recommend this book for pre-teens and young adults, it’s an excellent foray into the genre of fantasy books. The fact that there are two strong, capable female main characters makes it exceptionally appropriate for girls this age.

Review By, Karlynn Johnston, Thesupermom.com

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Reviews | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)

Interview on Sallyaroundthebay.com!

September 3, 2010 – 9:55 am

Sally Kuhlman just posted a wonderful interview of me on her website, Sallyaroundthebay (

http://sallyaroundthebay.com/2010/09/authors-around-the-bay-a-r-silverberry/). Because Sally reviews businesses, places, and other happenings around the San Francisco Bay Area, this was a fun interview; I got to share some personal likes, and what I love about living here in the Bay Area. For longtime residents or visitors, Sallayaroundthebay is a great resource for learning about wonderful restaurants, places to shop, and things to see. You can follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/Sally_K, and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/SallyAroundTheBay

A press release about the interview may be found at: http://tinyurl.com/3xsd5od

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Author Interview | Tagged , , , | Comments (0)

Wyndano’s Cloak Wins Gold Medal!

September 1, 2010 – 3:27 pm

I’m thrilled to announce that Wyndano’s Cloak won a gold medal in the 2010 Readers Favorite Awards, Preteen Category. I’m humbled to be honored among so many wonderful books. My deepest appreciation goes to Readers Favorite for giving the novel wider recognition. I will treasure this moment forever.

The book was also a finalist in two other categories: Young Adult and Science Fiction/Fantasy. The winners and finalists will be honored at a banquet in Las Vegas on November 6th. The event coincides with the Vegas Valley Book Festival, so I’m looking forward to networking and meeting lots of authors and others in the book industry.

More about the Readers Favorite Awards may be found at http://www.readersfavorite.com. They will post all the winners and finalists on their site by 9/15.

A press release about Wyndano’s Cloak winning the Readers Favorite Award may be found at: http://tinyurl.com/2ala722

 

 

By A. R. Silverberry | Posted in Book Awards | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Comments (0)